Gas dispensing apparatus



March 8, 1966 J. s. KOPAS GAS DISPENSING APPARATUS 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 26. 1961 s w R. A mw W NK E. M Vs m N m M J I. km N a March 8, 1966 J. 5. KOPAS GAS DISPENSING APPARATUS 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 26, 1961 INVENTOR.

JOSEPH 5. KOPAS United States Patent 3,238,940 GAS DISPENSING APPARATUS Joseph S. Kopas, 9710 Rosewood Ave., Cleveland 5, Ohio Filed Apr. 26, 1961, Ser. No. 105,652 13 Claims. (Cl. 1282tl5) This application is a continuation-in-part of United States Patent application Serial No. 84,315, filed January 23, 1961, and now abandoned.

The present invention relates in general to gas dispensing apparatus and more particularly to such apparatus which is portable in nature for use in the administration of gases, with an important example of a gas which can be used with the present apparatus being oxygen.

An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for the emergency dispensing of oxygen which includes a disposable tank or container and a simple control unit which includes a face mask which can be easily and quickly attached to or removed from the tank or container.

Another object of the invention is to provide gas dispensing apparatus which includes a tank or container and a face mask wherein valve means are actuated by relative movement between the face mask and the container to dispense the gas.

Another object of the invention is to provide gas dispensing apparatus which includes a tank or container and a face mask wherein valve means are actuated by relative straight line movement between the face mask and the container to dispense the gas.

Another object of the invention is to provide dispensing apparatus which includes a container and a face mask with valve means controlling the dispensing of the gas and the valve means being actuated by cam means which in turn is operated by relative movement between the face mask and the container.

Another object of the invention is to provide gas dispensing apparatus wherein a valve mechanism is operated by an inclined surface type cam which cam is caused to move by straight line movement of a face mask.

Another object of the invention is to provide gas dis pensing apparatus wherein a valve mechanism is operated by a rotating or swingable type cam which cam is caused to move by straight line movement of a face mask.

Another object of the invention is to provide gas dispensing apparatus wherein valve means are actuated by relative movement between the face mask and container and wherein the apparatus is also provided with auxiliary manual means for actuating the valve means.

Another object of the invention is to provide a gas dispensing device which is operative upon relative movement between a face mask and gas container and wherein the device is returned to an inoperative condition when facial pressure is removed from the face mask.

Another object of the invention is to provide a gas dispensing apparatus which may be used quickly without requiring adjustments or other attention by the user or operator and also whereby a gas such as oxygen can be supplied intermittently as desired.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new and novel construction for gas dispensing and storing apparatus.

Another object of the invention is to provide gas dispensing apparatus which includes a container and a face mask wherein valve means are actuated by relative pivotal movement or arcuate movement between the face mask and the container with the pivotal or arcuate movement being in either of two directions.

Other objects and a fuller understanding of this invention may be had by referring to the following description and claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view partially in section of gas dispensing apparatus constructed under the teachings of the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a plan View of the apparatus shown in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken generally along the line 3-3 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary view taken generally along the line 4-4 of FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 5 is a view taken generally along the line 55 of FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 6 is a view taken generally along the line 6-6 of FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 7 is a view taken generally along the line 77 of FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 8 is a fragmentary side elevational view of gas dispensing apparatus constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention and somewhat modified from the device shown in FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 9 is a view taken generally along the line 99 of FIGURE 8;

FIGURE 10 is a view taken generally along the line 1010 of FIGURE 8;

FIGURE 11 is a view taken generally along the line 1111 of FIGURE 8;

FIGURE 12 is a fragmentary side elevational view of gas dispensing apparatus constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention and somewhat modified from the devices shown in FIGURES 3 and 8;

FIGURE 13 is a view taken generally along the line 1313 of FIGURE 12;

FIGURE 14 is a view taken generally along the line 14-14 of FIGURE 12; and

FIGURE 15 is a view taken generally along the line 15-15 of FIGURE 13.

Referring more specifically to FIGURE 1 of the drawings it will be seen that the present embodiment of the invention includes generally a spherical metal container 20, a face mask 21, and a valve mechanism 22. The spherical metal container is constructed in two parts as shown in FIGURE 1 which are preferably brazed together at seam 24. The container 20 is provided with a separate mount 26 preferably of plastic or similar material to maintain the container in an upright condition when not being used.

The spherical metal container is provided with a nipple portion 28 which as will be noted in FIGURE 3 is formed as an integral part of the container 20 and a main housing 30 is provided which has both inner and outer surfaces. The main housing 30 and particularly the lower inner surface thereof fits around the nipple portion 28 and is secured thereto preferably by means of brazing. The housing is provided with wall means 32 which define an annular shoulder and it will be noted in FIGURE 3 that the annular shoulder abuts the top of the nipple portion 28. The main housing 30 is provided with threads 33 on the inner surface thereof and threads 34 on the outer surface. A valve housing 36 is provided which has first and second end portions 37 and 38 respectively connected by an annular shoulder 39 and the valve housing, of course, as seen in FIGURE 3 has inner and outer surfaces not indicated by any reference numerals. The valve housing 36 is positioned in the main housing with the annular shoulder 39 engaging the annular shoulder 32 of the main housing and the first end portion of the valve housing 36 extends into the upper end of the spherical metal container 20. A very small opening 41 is provided in the first end portion of the valve housing 36 and this serves to admit gas which is stored in the container into the valve housing and on through to the face mask when the valve mechanism is in the open position.

A holding member 42 having threads 43 thereon is threadably secured to the threads 33 on the inner surface of the housing member and is in engagement with the valve housing 36 to hold it securely against the annular shoulder 32. A sealing member 44 is provided between the holding member 42 and the valve housing to provide a gas tight seal. The sealing member 44 is preferably, although not necessarily, made out of a synthetic material such as Teflon. Wall means 46 serve to define a valve seat on the holding member and also defines an opening extending generally axially through the holding member. A valve member 48 is positioned in the second end portion of the valve housing 36 and is moveable between opened and closed positions in relation to the valve seat 46 to alternately permit and prohibit fiow of gas from the spherical metal container 20. The valve member also includes a sealing member 49 of preferably the same material from which sealing member 44 is constructed. The valve member 48 in the full line position of FIGURE 3 is in the closed position and when it is moved downwardly from the position shown in 43 it is in the open position. A groove 50 is provided in the side of the valve member to provide for the upward passage of air from the metal container 20, however, this groove 50 is not entirely essential since the fit between the valve member and the surrounding walls is quite loose and gas can freely flow therebetween. A stern member 51 forms a part of the valve member and is integrally secured thereto as shown in this embodiment and extends through the wall means 46 which forms the opening through the central portion of the holding member. A spring seating member 53 is positioned in the first end portion 37 of the valve housing 36 and as will be noted this spring seating member has an axial opening therethrough in communication with the opening 41 so that gas from the container can be transferred to the valve. The primary purpose of the spring seating member is to provide a support for one end of a spring 54 which extends to and engages at the other end the valve member 48 to constantly urge the valve member to its closed position shown in FIGURE 3.

A support member 56 is provided which has first and second end portions 57 and 58 respectively with threads on the first end portion which threadably secure the support member to the threads 34 on the outside surface of the main housing 30. Wall means 60 are provided in the second end portion 58 of the support member 56 which define a transverse opening into the second end portion of the support member which transverse opening terminates in a recess 61. Wall means 62 define a threaded aperture between the transverse opening 60 and the first end portion 57 of the support member. A removable plug member 64 is threadably secured in the threaded aperture 62 and is provided with a central opening 65. A plunger member 66 resides in the central opening 65 in the plug member 64 and has a first or head portion 67 located in the transverse opening 60 and the other or second end portion 68 is in engagement with the upper end of the stem member 51 which extends from the valve member 48.

An operating member 71 is provided which has a first end portion 72 with a socket-like construction into which is received an extension 73 of the face mask 21. The face mask 21 is preferably made of plastic or other suitable material. The second end portion 74 of the operating member 71 is located in the transverse opening 60 and may be moved in a generally longitudinal or straight line direction which will be described further hereinafter. Wall means 76 are provided on the second end portion 74 of the operating member and this wall means defines an inclined cam surface which is spaced from the extreme end of the second end portion of the operating member by an abutment shoulder 77. A spring member 79 is located in the recess 61 and constantly urges the operating member and face mask to the right as seen in FIGURE 3. The head portion 67 of the plunger member 66 is located in engagement with the inclined cam surface 76 and prevents the operating member from rotating in the transverse opening 60 which prevents the face mask from assurning different rotative positions relative to the container 20. Engagement of the head portion 67 with the abutment shoulder 77 also prevents removal of the operating member from the transverse opening.

Wall means 80 are provided in the extension 73 of the face mask which provide for the passage of gas into the face mask. Wall means 81 in the nature of a drilled opening is provided in the operating member 71 and this provides for the passage of gas from the valve mechanism into the rectangular opening 80 and from thereon into the face mask. The fit between the extreme left end of the operating member 71 is also not too close and as a result gas can pass into the recess 61 and thence into the opening 81.

FIGURES 3 and 5 show a diffuser plug 83 which includes a generally circular portion 87 which fits in the rectangular opening 80 and this circular portion is notched as at 84 and this along with the openings at the corners of the rectangular opening provides for the passage of air through the rectangular opening. The diffuser plug also is provided with a head 85 which is spaced somewhat from the extreme end of the face mask and this serves to diffuse gas in all directions as it enters the face mask.

In operating before use the parts of the apparatus are generally in the position shown in FIGURE 3. If one desires to dispense or inhale a gas such as oxygen which might be contained in the container 20, all that the user need do is place his face into the mask 21 and exert a force on the mask toward the support member 56 or by hand push the support member or container toward the face mask. This causes relative straight line movement between the operating member 71 and the support member and container or another way of saying it is that the cam surface 76 moves into the transverse opening 60 against the biasing of the spring 79. This causes the cam surface 76 to engage the head portion 67 of the plunger member 66 which in turn depresses the stem member 51 and opens the valve 48. This permits gas to pass to the face mask by way of the opening 41, past the valve member 48, through the opening 46 in the holding member 42 because of the loose fit between the stem member and the opening, past the loose fitting plunger member 66 which resides in the central opening in the plug member 64, and through the openings 81 and in the operating member and the extension 73 of the face mask. As soon as a user of the device desires to stop the fiow of gas, all that need be done is to release the facial pressure on the mask 21 and the spring 79 moves the operating member and face mask to the right as seen in FIGURE 3 and this along with the action of the spring 54 causes the valve member to be closed. A sealing ring 86 is provided in a recess on the operating member 71 to assure an air-tight seal between the operating member and the transverse opening 60.

The apparatus shown in FIGURES 8 through 11 is also constructed under the teachings of the present invention and is a somewhat modified version from that shown in FIGURES 1 through 7. Where like structure results, the same reference numerals will be applied to this embodiment as to the embodiment shown in 'FIG- URES 1 through 7 and where the structure differs, new reference numerals will be utilized. The basic difference between the construction shown in FIGURES 3 and 8 is that in FIGURE 8 the actuation of the valve mechanism is by means of a rotative or swingable type cam and axially manual means is provided for actuating the valve mechanism. Referring to FIGURE 8, a support member 98 is provided which has first and second end portions 91 and 92 respectively. The first end portion 91 is threadably secured to the main housing 38 as at 93 and the second end portion 92 is provided with a transverse opening 95 which terminates in a recess 96. Located above the holding member 42 is a cam mounting member 188 which has a central opening .181 extending therethrough as well as first and second spaced mounting members 182 and 103 respectively. A cam member 185 is located between the mounting members 102 and 183 and has first and second pivot members 106 and 107 integrally secured thereto and extending from either side thereof. These pivot members are received on surfaces on the mounting members and serve to rotatably or swingably mount the cam member 185. A plunger M9 quite similar to the plunger 66 shown in FIGURE 3 is provided which loosely resides in the central opening 181 in the cam mounting member and which has a head portion 118 at one end thereof in position to be engaged by the cam member and the other or second end of the plunger member 189 is located in engagement with the stem member 51 of the valve member 48. An operating member 112 is provided which has a first end portion 113 attached to a face mask 21 in the same manner as that shown in FIGURE 3, and a second end portion which resides within the transverse opening 95. A portion of the second end portion of the operating member has been removed to provide a notch 1 15. A spring 116 is located in the recess 96 and engages the extreme left end of the operating member to constantly urge the operating member out of the transverse opening. A portion 118 of the cam member 185 resides in the notch and another portion 119 is located in engagement or adjacent the head portion 118 of the plunger member.

Auxiliary manual means are provided in this embodiment of the invention whereby the valve mechanism may be actuated. This means includes a plunger 123 which extends through an opening in the wall of the support member and has an end portion 124 located adjacent a portion of the cam member 185. A leaf type spring 125 serves to keep the plunger member 123 urged to the left or'inoperative position as shown in FIGURE 8.

To operate the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGURES 8 through 11 the user places the mask 21 on his face and exerts a force to urge the operating member to the left as shown in FIGURE 8. Since the portion 118 of the cam member is located in the notch 115 the cam is caused to rotate in a counterclockwise direction about the pivot members 1% and 187 which causes the portion 119 of the cam member to engage the head 118 of the plunger member which in turn causes the valve member 48 to be opened in a manner similar to that described in connection with FIGURE 3. When the user wishes to stop the flow of gas such as oxygen the facial pressure is released and the spring 116 moves the operating member to the right with a subsequent shutting off of the gas flow. If it is desired to actuate the device by means of the auxiliary manual means, there need be no facial pressure exerted on the face mask and all that one need do is depress the plunger 123. This causes the end portion 124 of the plunger to engage the cam member which causes the portion 119 of the cam member to depress the plunger member with a subsequent opening of the valve member 48. When the plunger 12 3 is released, the leaf spring 125 returns it to the position shown in FIGURE 8 and the spring 116 aids in returning the cam member to the position shown in FIGURE 8. The opening in the operating member 112 has been indicated by the reference numeral 117.

The apparatus shown in FIGURES 12 through 15 is constructed under the teachings of the present invention and differs in some respects from that structure shown in FIGURES 1 through 11. Where like structure results, the same reference numerals have been utilized and in those respects where the structure is modified, new reference numerals have been used to indicate the various parts of the apparatus. Referring to FIGURE 12 and the figures following, a support member 128 has been provided which has a wall 131 which divides the support member into upper and lower portions 129 and 130 respectively. The lower portion of the support member is threadably secured to the outer surface of the main housing 30 in the same manner as shown in FIG- URES 3 and 8. The support member as will be noted has been constructed of two parts, namely, the lower part which has been machined and the upper part which has been formed by a deep drawing operating and attached as at 135. Wall means 133 define an opening into the upper portion of the support member for a purpose which will be described hereinafter. A pivot member 134 is located in the upper portion of the support member and is attached fixedly in position in the manner best shown in FIGURES 13 and 15. The pivot member as will be noted is located generally in line with the opening 133. A central opening 136 is provided in the dividing wall 131 and positioned in this opening is a plunger member 137 which has a head portion 138 and an opposite end portion 139. Positioned between the head portion 138 and the dividing wall 131 is a spring 140 which tends to urge the plunger member upwardly away from the dividing wall at all times or it might be said urges the end portion 139 away from the stern member 51. A conduit member 141 is provided which extends between the lower portion of the support member defined by the dividing wall and extends to the pivot member and still further wall means 142 define a passage which communicates at one end with the conduit member 141 and which extends at another end to an intermediate portion of the pivot member 1134.

An operating member 143 is provided which is connected at a first end portion 144 to a face mask 21 and has a second end portion 145 which extends into the upper portion of the support member through the opening 133. The second end portion of the operating member surrounds the pivot member 134 and is pivotally slidable thereon to pivotally mount the same. The second end portion 145 also includes a cam member 146 which is in engagement with the head portion of the plunger member by reason of the action of the spring 148. The cam member has what may be referred to as an intermediate inoperative position (full line position of FIGURE 12) in which it normally resides and is normally maintained in this position by the action of the spring 148 and the head portion 138. T he opening 133 is of such a size that it permits limited pivotal or angular movement of the operating member in either a clockwise direction 147 or a counterclockwise direction 148. Movement of the operating member in the clockwise direction 147 causes the cam member to engage the head portion of the plunger member which in turn engages the stem member and opens the valve 48. Movement in the counter-clockwise direction 148 causes the same action by engagement of another portion of the cam with the head portion of the plunger member.

The same wall means as in FIGURES 3 and 8 define a rectangular opening from the plastic face mask to the first end portion 144 of the operating member and Wall means 149 define an opening through the operating member which provides communication between the rectangular opening in the face mask and the passage at the intermediate portion of the pivot member 134.

In order to operate the device shown in FIGURES 12 through 15, it is only necessary that ones face be placed in the face mask and a relative pivotal or angular movement be effected between the container 20 and the face mask 21 either to the position 147 or to the position 148. When moved to either of these two positions the cam member 146 engages the plunger member 137 which in turn causes opening of the valve 48. When this happens, oxygen under pressure passes through the valve and to the face mask through conduit member 141, passage 142, opening 149 and rectangular opening 80. When, the pressure on the operating member is released, it returns to the full line position shown in FIGURE 12 with a subsequent closing of the valve 48.

As a result it will be seen that the present disclosure has taught an apparatus for dispensing oxygen or other gases which is quickly and easily assembled. It will also be seen that the presently disclosed apparatus may be held in one hand by the user and operated simply by providing relative movement between the face mask and the container. More specifically, the relative movement which operates the valve means is a straight line or longitudinal movement and this movement serves to actuate a camming mechanism which in turn actuates the valve means. The disclosure has also taught the use of auxiliary manual means for actuation of the valve mechanism which can be quickly and conveniently actuated. The presently disclosed device provides an economical and simple mechanism whereby a gas such as oxygen can be supplied intermittently as desired.

Although this invention has been described in its preferred form with a certain degree of particaularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of the preferred form has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction and the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

What is claimed is:

1. A gas dispensing device including in combination, a spherical metal container having a nipple portion, a main housing having inner and outer surfaces and fitting around and secured at one end portion to said nipple portion and having wall means on said inner surface defining an annular shoulder, said main housing having threads on said inner and outer surfaces, a valve housing having first and second end portions connected by an annular shoulder and having inner and outer surfaces, said valve housing being positioned in said main housing with said annular shoulder being in engagement with said annular shoulder of said main housing and with said first end portion of said valve housing extending into said metal container, wall means defining a small opening in said first end portion of said valve housing to admit gas thereinto from said metal container, a holding member, threads on said holding member securing same to said threads on said inn-er surface of said housing member and holding said valve housing in position, wall means defining a valve seat on and an opening through said holding member, a valve member in the second end portion of said valve housing and movable between open and closed positions in relation to said valve seat to alternately permit and prohibit flow of gas from said metal container, a stem member secured to said valve member and extending through said opening in said holding member and when depressed moving said valve member to open position, a spring seating member located in said first end portion of said valve housing, a spring extending between said spring seating member and said valve member to urge said valve member to a closed position, a support member having first and second end portions, threads on said first end portion of said support member threadably securing same to said threads on said outer surface of said main housing, wall means defining a transverse opening into said second end portion of said support member terminating in a recess, wall means defining an aperture between said transverse opening and said first end portion of said support member, a removable plug member threadably secured in said aperture and having a central opening, a plunger member loosely residing in said central opening and having a head portion at one end thereof in said transverse opening and the other end engageable with said stem member of said valve member, a plastic face mask, an operating member connected at a first end portion to said face mask and having a second end portion, said second end portion of said operating member residing in said transverse opening in said support member, wall means on said second end portion of said operating member defining an inclined cam surface spaced from the extreme end of said second end portion by an abutment shoulder, a spring member in said recess and engaging said second end portion of said operating member, said head portion of said plunger member residing adjacent said inclined cam surface, said operating member being capable of straight line movement between first and second positions, movement of said operating member from said first to said second position causing said inclined cam surface to engage said head portion of said plunger member which in turn engages said stem member and opens said valve member, said spring member in said recess returning said operating member to said first position with said abutment shoulder engageable with said head portion to prevent separation of said operating member from said support member, wall means defining a rectangular opening from said plastic face mask to said first end portion of said operating member, and wall means defining an opening through said operating member providing communication between said rectangular opening in said plastic face mask and said valve member by way of said plunger member.

2. A gas dispensing device including in combination, a container having a nipple portion, a main housing having inner and outer surfaces and fitting around and secured at one end portion to said nipple portion and having wall means on said inner surface defining an annular shoulder, a valve housing having first and second end portions connected by an annular shoulder, said valve housing being positioned in said main housing with said annular shoulder being in engagement with said annular shoulder of said main housing and with said first end portion of said valve housing extending into said container, wall means defining an opening in said first end portion of said valve housing to admit gas thereinto from said container, means holding said valve housing in position, wall means defining a valve seat in said housing, a valve member in the second end portion of said valve housing and movable between open and closed positions in relation to said valve seat to alternately permit and prohibit flow of gas from said container, a stem member secured to said valve member and when depressed moving said valve member to open position, a spring for urging said valve member to a closed po sition, a support member having first and second end portions, said first end portion of said support member being secured to said main housing, wall means defining a transverse opening into said second end portion of said support member terminating in a recess, wall means defining an aperture between said transverse opening and said first end portion of said support member, a removable plug member secured in said aperture and having an opening, a plunger member loosely residing in said plug member opening and having a head portion at one end thereof in said transverse opening and the other end engageable with said stem member of said valve member, a face mask, an operating member connected at a first end portion to said face mask and having a second end portion, said second end portion of said operating member residing in said transverse opening in said support member, wall means on said second end portion of said operating member defining a cam surface, a

spring member in said recess and engaging said second end portion of said operating member, said head portion of said plunger member residing adjacent said cam surface, said operating member being capable of straight line movement between first and second positions, movement of said operating member from said first to said second position causing said cam surface to engage said head portion of said plunger member which in turn engages said stem member and opens said valve member, said spring member in said recess returning said operating member to said first position, wall means defining an opening from said face mask to said first end portion of said operating member, and wall means defining an opening through said operating member providing communication between said opening in said face mask and said valve member.

3. A gas dispensing device including in combination, a container, a main housing secured to said container, a valve housing being positioned in said main housing, wall means defining an opening in a first end portion of said valve housing to admit gas thereinto from said container, wall means defining a valve seat in said housing, a valve member movable between open and closed positions in relation to said valve seat to alternately permit and prohibit fiow of gas from said container, a spring urging said valve member to a closed position, a support member having first and second end portions, said first end portion of said support member being secured to said main housing, wall means defining an opening into said second end portion of said support member, a plunger member in said support member and having a first end portion in said opening in said second end portion of said support member and the other end portion engageable with said valve member, a face mask, an operating member connected at a first end portion to said face mask and having a second end portion, said second end portion of said operating member residing in said opening in said second end portion of said support member, wall means at said second end portion of said operating member defining a cam surface, said first end portion of said plunger member residing adjacent said cam surface, said operating member being capable of straight line movement between first and second positions, movement of said operating member from said first to said second position causing said cam surface to engage said first end portion of said plunger member which in turn engages said valve member to open same, a spring member urging said operating member to said first position, wall means defining an opening from said face mask to said first end portion of said operating member, and wall means defining an opening in said operating member providing communication between said opening in said face mask and said valve member.

4. A gas dispensing device including in combination, a spherical metal container having a nipple portion, a main housing having inner and outer surfaces and fitting around and secured at one end portion to said nipple portion and having wall means on said inner surface defining an annular shoulder, said main housing having threads on said inner and outer surfaces, a valve housing having first and second end portions connected by an annular shoulder and having inner and outer surfaces, said valve housing being positioned in said main housing with said annular shoulder being in engagement with said annular shoulder of said main housing and with said first end portion of said valve housing extending into said metal container, wall means defining a small opening in said first end portion of said valve housing to admit gas thereinto from said metal container, a holding member, threads on said holding member securing same to said threads on said inner surface of said housing member and holding said valve housing in position, wall means defining a valve seat on and an opening through said holding member, a valve member in the second end portion of said valve housing and movable between open and closed positions in relation to said valve seat to alternately permit and prohibit flow of gas from said metal container, a stem member secured to said valve member and extending through said opening in said holding member and when depressed moving said valve member to open position, a spring seating member located in said first end portion of said valve housing, a spring extending between said spring seating member and said valve member to urge said valve member to a closed position, a support member having first and second end portions, threads on said first end portion of said support member threadably securing the same to said threads on said outer surface of said main housing, wall means defining a transverse opening into said second end portion of said support member terminating in a recess, a cam mounting member positioned in said support member and having a central opening therethrough, a cam member, pivot means pivotaliy mounting said cam member to said cam mounting member, a plunger member loosely residing in said central opening in said cam mounting member and having a head portion at one end thereof in position to be engaged by said cam member and the other end engageable with said stem member of said valve member, a plastic face mask, an operating member connected at a first end portion to said face mask and having a second end portion, said second end portion of said operating member residing in said transverse opening in said support member, wall means on said second end portion of said operating member defining a notch for the reception of a portion of said cam member, a spring member in said recess and engaging said second end portion of said operating member, said head portion of said plunger member residing adjacent said cam member, said operating member being capable of straight line movement between first and second positions, movement of said operating member from said first to said second position causing said cam member to engage said head portion of said plunger member which in turn engages said stem member and opens said valve member, said spring member in said recess returning said operating member to said first position of said operating member, wall means defining a rectangular opening from said plastic face mask to said first end portion of said operating member, wall means defining an opening through said operating member and providing communication between said rectangular opening in said plastic face mask and said valve member by way of said plunger member, auxiliary manual means for opening said valve member comprising a manually actuable plunger extending through said support member and having a portion engageable with a portion of said cam member to cause said cam member to engage said head portion of said plunger member to open said valve member, and leaf spring means for returning said manually actuable plunger to its original position.

5. A gas dispensing device including in combination, a container having a nipple portion, a main housing fitting around and secured at one end portion to said nipple portion and having wall means on an inner surface defining an annular shoulder, a valve housing having first and second end portions connected by an annular shoulder, said valve housing being positioned in said main housing with said annular shoulder being in engagement with said annular shoulder of said main housing and with said first end portion of said valve housing extending into said container, wall means defining an opening in said first end portion of said valve housing to admit gas thereinto from said container, means for holding said valve housing in position, wall means defining a valve seat, a valve member in the second end portion of said valve housing and movable between open and closed positions in relation to said valve seat to alternately permit and prohibit flow of gas from said container, a stem member secured to said valve member and when depressed moving said valve member to open position, a spring for urging said valve member to a closed position, a support member having first and second end portions, said first end portion of said support member being secured to said main housing, wall means defining a transverse opening into said second end portion of said support member terminating in a recess, a cam member, pivot means pivotally mounting said cam member in said support member, a plunger member mounted in said support member and having a head portion at one end thereof in position to be engaged by said cam member and the other end engageable with said stem member of said valve member, a face mask, an operating member connected at a first end portion to said face mask and having a second end portion, said second end portion of said operating member residing in said transverse opening in said support member, means on said second end portion of said operating member for operatively connecting the same to said cam member, a spring member in said recess and engaging said second end portion of said operating member, said head portion of said plunger member residing adjacent said cam member, said operating member being capable of straight line movement between first and second positions, movement of said operating member from said first to said second position causing said cam member to engage said head portion of said plunger member which in turn engages said stem member and opens said valve member, said spring member in said recess returning said operating member to said first position, wall means defining an opening from said face mask to said first end portion of said operating member, auxiliary means for opening said valve member comprising a manually actuable plunger extending through said support member and having a portion operative with said cam member to cause said cam member to engage said head portion of said plunger member to open said valve member, and means for returning said manually actuable plunger to its original position.

6. A gas dispensing device including in combination, a eontainer, a main housing secured to said container, a valve housing positioned in said main housing, wall means defining an opening in a first end portion of said valve housing to admit gas thereinto from said container, wall means defining a valve seat, a valve member movable between open and closed positions in relation to said valve seat to alternately permit and prohibit flow of gas from said container, a spring for urging said valve member to a closed posit-ion, a support member having first and second end portions, said first end portion of said support member being secured to said main housing, wall means defining an opening into said second end portion of said support member, a cam member, pivot means pivotally mounting said cam member in said support member, a plunger member mounted in said support member and having a head portion at one end thereof in position to be engaged by said cam member and the other end engageable with said valve member, a face mask, an operating member connected at a first end portion to said face mask and having a second end portion, said second end portion of said operating member residing in said opening in said support member, wall means on said second end portion of said operating member for operatively connecting the same to said cam member, a spring member engaging said second end portion of said operating member, said head portion of said plunger member residing adjacent said cam member, said operating member being capable of straight line movement between first and second positions, movement of said operating member from said first to said second position causing said cam member to engage said head portion of said plunger member which in turn engages said valve member to open same, said last mentioned spring member returning said operating member to said first position, wall means defining an opening from said face mask to said first end portion of said operating member providing communication between said opening in said face mask and said valve member.

7. A gas dispensing device including in combination, a spherical metal container having a nipple portion, amain 12 housing having inner and outer surfaces and fitting around and secured at one end portion to said nipple portion and having wall means on said inner surface defining an annular shoulder, said main housing having threads on said inner and outer surfaces, a valve housing having first and second end portions connected by an annular shoulder and having inner and outer surfaces, said valve housing being positioned in said main housing with said annular shoulder being in engagement with said annular shoulder of said main housing and with said first end portion of said valve housing extending into said metal container, wall means defining a small opening in said first end portion of said valve housing to admit gas thereinto from said metal container, a holding member, threads on said holding member securing same to said threads on said inner surface of said housing member and holding said valve housing in position, wall means defining a valve seat on and an opening through said holding member, a valve member in the second end portion of said valve housing and movable between open and closed positions in relation to said valve seat to alternately permit and prohibit flow of gas from said metal container, a stem member secured to said valve member and extending through said opening in said holding member and when depressed moving said valve member to open position, a spring seating member located in said first end portion of said valve housing, a spring extending between said spring seating member and said valve member to urge said valve member to a closed position, a support member, a wall dividing said support member into upper and lower portions, threads on said lower portion of said support member threadably securing same to said threads on said outer surface of said main housing, wall means defining an opening into said upper portion of said support member, a pivot member in said upper portion of said support member and supported by the walls thereof and located in line with said opening thereinto, a central opening extending through said dividing wall, a plunger member residing in said central opening in said dividing wall and having a head portion at one end thereof and the other end thereof engageable with said stem member of said valve member, a spring extending between said dividing wall and said head portion for urging said other end portion away from said stem member, a conduit member providing communication between said lower portion of said support member and said pivot member, wall means defining a passage communicating with said conduit member and an intermediate portion of said pivot member, a plastic face mask, an operating member connected at a first end portion to said face mask and having a second end portion, said second end portion of said operating member extending into said upper portion of said support member through said opening thereinto and surrounding said pivot member to pivotally mount the same, said end portion of said operating member which is connected to said pivot member including a cam member in engagement with said head portion of said plunger member, said cam member having an intermediate inoperative position in which the same normally resides by the action of said spring member urging said head portion into engagement with said cam member, said opening in said upper portion of said support member permitting limited pivotal movement of said operating member in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, movement of said operating member in a clockwise direction causing said cam member to engage said head portion of said plunger member which in turn engages said stem member and opens said valve member, movement of said operating member in a counterclockwise direction also causing said cam member to engage said head portion of said plunger member which in turn engages said stem member and opens said valve member, wall means defining a rectangular opening from said plastic face mask to said first end portion of said operating member, wall means defining an opening through said operating member providing communication between said rectangular opening in said plastic face mask and said passage at said intermediate portion of said pivot member.

8. A gas dispensing device including in combination, a container having a nipple portion, a main housing having inner and outer surfaces and fitting around and secured at one end portion to said nipple portion and having wall means on said inner surface defining an annular shoulder, a valve housing having first and second end portions connected by an annular shoulder and having inner and outer surfaces, said valve housing being positioned in said main housing with said annular shoulder being in engagement with said annular shoulder of said main housing and with said first end portion of said valve housing extending into said container, wall means defining a small opening in said first end portion of said valve housing to admit gas thereinto from said container, wall means defining a valve seat in said main housing, a valve member in the second end portion of said valve housing and movable between open and closed positions in relation to said valve seat to alternately permit and prohibit flow of gas from said container, a spring for urging said valve memher to a closed position, a support member, secured to said main housing, wall means defining an opening into said support member, a pivot member in said support member and supported by the walls thereof, a plunger member in said support member and having a head portion at one end thereof and the other end thereof engageable with said valve member, a spring for urging said other end portion away from said valve member, a conduit member providing communication between said valve member and said pivot member, wall means defining a passage communicating with said conduit member and an intermediate portion of said pivot member, a face mask, an operating member connected at a first end portion to said face mask and having a second end portion, said second end portion of said operating member extending into said support member through said opening thereinto and connected to said pivot member to pivotally mount the same, said end portion of said operating member which is connected to said pivot member including a cam member in engagement with said head portion of said plunger member, said cam member having an intermediate inoperative position in which the same normally resides, said opening in said support member permitting limited pivotal movement of said operating member in either of first and second directions, movement of said operating member in said first direction causing said cam member to engage said head portion of said plunger member which in turn engages and opens said valve member, movement of said operating member in said second direction also causing said cam member to engage said head portion of said plunger member which in turn engages and opens said valve member, wall means defining an opening from said face mask to said first end portion of said operating member, wall means defining an opening in said operating member providing communication between said opening in said face mask and said passage in said pivot member.

9. A gas dispensing device including in combination, a container for holding gas under pressure, valve means in said container and movable between open and closed positions to respectively permit and prohibit gas passage from said container, cam means mounted for angular movement to actuate said valve means, an operating member having first and second end portions, means operatively connecting said first end portion of said operating member to said cam means in position to actuate same upon movement of said operating member relative to said container, a face mask, said second end portion of said operating member being connected to said face mask, relative movement between said face mask and said container causing said valve means to be actuated, conduit means between said container and said face mask for the passage of gas therebetween, and separate manual means for actuation of said valve means by an operator of said device without the necessity of exerting a force other than at said separate manual means.

10. A gas dispensing device including in combination a container, a valve housing connected to said container, wall means defining an opening in a first end portion of said valve housing to admit gas thereinto from said container, wall means defining a valve seat in said housing, a valve member movable between open and closed positions relative to said valve seat to alternately permit and prohibit flow of gas from said container, means urging said valve member to a closed position, a plunger member having first and second end portions, said second end portion of said plunger member being located adjacent said valve member and being engageable therewith, a face mask, an operating member fixedly connected at a first end portion to the face mask and also having a second end portion, said second end portion of said operating member being located adjacent said first end portion of said plunger member and extending in a direction generally transverse thereto, cam means between said second end portion of said operating member and said first end portion of said plunger member, said operating member being movable in a straight line movement between first and second positions upon a force being exerted between said container and said face mask, movement of said operating member from said first to said second position causing said cam means to engage said first end portion of said plunger member which in turn engages said valve member to open same, and wall means defining a gas passage from said face mask to said valve member with at least a portion of said gas passage including said operating member.

11. A gas dispensing device including in combination a container, a valve housing connected to said container, wall means defining an opening in a first end portion of said valve housing to admit gas thereinto from said container, wall means defining a valve seat in said housing, a valve member movable between open and closed positions relative to said valve seat to alternately permit and prohibit fiow of gas from said container, means urging said valve member to a closed position, a plunger member having first and second end portions, said second end portion of said plunger member being located adjacent said valve member and being engageable therewith, a face mask, an operating member fixedly connected at a first end portion to the face mask and also having a second end portion, said second end portion of said operating member being located adjacent said first end portion of said plunger member and extending in a direction generally transverse thereto, a cam surface on said second end portion of said operating member adjacent said first end portion of said plunger member, said operating member being movable in a straight line movement between first and second positions upon a force being exerted between said container and said face mask, movement of said operating member from said first to said second position causing said cam surface to engage said first end portion of said plunger member which in turn engages said valve member to open same, and Wall means defining a gas passage from said face mask to said valve member with at least a portion of said gas passage including said operating member.

12. A gas dispensing device including in combination a container, a valve housing connected to said container, wall means defining an opening in a first end portion of said valve housing to admit gas thereinto from said container, wall means defining a valve seat in said housing, a valve member movable between open and closed positions relative to said valve seat to alternately ermit and prohibit flow of gas from said container, means urging said valve member to a closed position, a plunger member having first and second end portions, said second end portion of said plunger member being located adjacent said valve member and being engageable therewith, a face mask, an operating member fixedly connected at a first end portion to the face mask and also having a second end portion, said second end portion of said operating member being located adjacent said first end portion of said plunger member and extending in a direction generally transverse thereto, a pivotally mounted cam member located between said second end portion of said operating member and said first end portion of said plunger member, said operating member being movable in a straight line movement between first and second positions upon a force being exerted between said container and said face mask, movement of said operating member from said first to said second position causing said pivotally mounted cam member to engage said first end portion of said plunger member which in turn engages said valve member to open same, and wall means defining a gas passage from said face mask to said valve member with at least a portion of said gas passage including said operating member.

13. A gas dispensing device including in combination a container, a valve housing connected to said container, wall means defining an opening in a first end portion of said valve housing to admit gas thereinto from said container, wall means defining a valve seat in said housing, a valve member movable between open and closed positions relative to said valve seat to alternately permit and prohibit flow of gas from said container, means urging said valve member to a closed position, a plunger member having first and second end portions, said second end portion of said plunger member being located adjacent said valve member and being engageable therewith, a face mask, an operating member fixedly connected at a first end portion to the face mask and also having a second end portion, said second end portion of said operating member being located adjacent said first end portion of said plunger member and extending in a direction generally transverse thereto, cam means formed on said second end portion of said operating member and located adjacent said first end portion of said plunger member, said operating member being movable between first and second positions upon a force being exerted between said container and said face mask, movement of said operating member from said first to said second position causing said cam means to engage said first end portion of said plunger member which in turn engages said valve member to open same, and wall means defining a gas passage from said face mask to said valve member with at least a portion of said gas passage including said operating member.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 256,495 4/1882 Nelson 128-211 263,128 8/ 1882 Donaldson 128-211 313,745 3/1885 Long 128-211 374,831 12/1887 Harrington 128-211 378,033 2/1888 Wilkerson 128-211 417,795 12/1889 Starr 128-211 548,236 10/1895 Stevenson 222-509 2,245,658 6/1941 Erickson 128-108 2,646,192 7/ 1953 Gronemeyer 222-509 X 2,746,655 5/1956 Wolcott 222-509 2,917,045 12/1959 Schildknecht et al. 128-146 2,970,594 2/1961 Doak 128-203 3,001,524 9/1961 Maison et al. 128-208 3,007,613 11/1961 Tygard 222-394 3,019,788 2/1962 Hughes 128-203 RICHARD A. GAUDET, Primary Examiner.

JORDAN FRANKLIN, Examiner. 

3. A GAS DISPENSING DEVICE INCLUDING IN COMBINATION, A CONTAINER, A MAIN HOUSING SECURED TO SAID CONTAINER, A VALVE HOUSING BEING POSITIONED IN SAID MAIN HOUSING, WALL MEANS DEFINING AN OPENING IN A FIRST END PORTION OF SAID VALVE MEANS TO ADMIT GAS THEREINTO FROM SAID CONTAINER, WALL MEANS DEFINING A VALVE SEAT IN SAID OPENING A VALVE MEMBER MOVABLE BETWEEN OPEN AND CLOSED POSITIONS IN RELATION TO SAID VALVE SEAT TO ALTERNATELY PERMIT AND PROHIBIT FLOW OF GAS FROM SAID CONTAINER, A SPRING URGING SAID VALVE MEMBER TO A CLOSED POSITION, A SUPPORT MEMBER HAVING FIRST AND SECOND END PORTIONS, SAID FIRST END PORTION OF SAID SUPPORTING MEMBER BEING SECURED TO SAID MAIN HOUSING, WALL MEANS DEFINING AN OPENING INTO SAID SECOND END PORTION OF SAID SUPPORT MEMBER, A PLUNGER MEMBER IN SAID SUPPORT MEMBER AND HAVING A FIRST END PORTION IN SAID OPENING IN SAID SECOND END PORTION OF SAID SUPPORT MEMBER AND THE OTHER END PORTION ENGAGEABLE WITH SAID VALVE MEMBER, A FACE MASK, AN OPERATING MEMBER CONNECTED AT A FIRST END PORTION TO SAID FACE MASK AND HAVING A SECOND END PORTION, SAID SECOND END PORTION OF SAID OPERATING MEMBER RESIDING IN SAID OPENING IN SAID SECOND END PORTION OF SAID SUPPORT MEMBER, WALL MEANS AT SAID SECOND END PORTION OF SAID OPERATING MEMBER DEFINING A CAM SURFACE, SAID FIRST END PORTION OF SAID PLUNGER MEMBER RESIDING ADJACENT SAID CAM SURFACE, SAID OPERATING MEMBER BEING CAPABLE OF STRAIGHT LINE MOVEMENT BETWEEN FIRST AND SECOND POSITIONS, MOVEMENT OF SAID OPERATING MEMBER FROM SAID FIRST TO SAID SECOND POSITION CAUSING SAID CAM SURFACE TO ENGAGE SAID FIRST END PORTION OF SAID PLUNGER MEMBER WHICH IN TURN ENGAGES SAID VALVE MEMBER TO OPEN SAME, A SPRING MEMBER URGING SAID OPERATING MEMBER TO SAID FIRST POSITION, WALL MEANS DEFINING AN OPENING FROM SAID FACE MASK TO SAID FIRST END PORTION OF SAID OPERATING MEMBER, AND WALL MEANS DEFINING AN OPENING IN SAID OPERATING MEMBER PROVIDING COMMUNICATION BETWEEN SAID OPENING IN SAID FACE MASK AND SAID VALVE MEMBER. 